Pembrokeshire soprano Jessica Robinson triumphs in ‘Cardiff Singer of the World’ round two

PEMBROKESHIRE-BORN soprano, Jessica Robinson, has emerged victorious in the second round of this year’s Cardiff Singer of the World competition, securing a coveted spot in the grand final. The talented songstress wowed the judges and audience alike with her breathtaking performance on Monday evening, earning her a place among the elite group of five finalists set to compete at St David’s Hall in Cardiff on Sunday night (Jun 11).

A total of 16 gifted international singers vied for the prestigious title, but it was Jessica’s exceptional artistry that set her apart, propelling her to the final stage. As the competition celebrates its 40th anniversary, the Welsh songbird aspires to claim the coveted championship and etch her name in the competition’s history books.

Jessica’s musical journey commenced in her hometown of Llandissilio, where she honed her skills as a young competitor in local eisteddfods. Her talents soon gained recognition on a national level, earning accolades in the Urdd and the National Eisteddfodau.

The gifted soprano represented Pembrokeshire in the Young Farmers Eisteddfod, securing victory in the under-26 solo category both in 2008 and 2012. Her exceptional abilities were further acknowledged when she clinched the Vocalist of the Year award at the Pembrokeshire Chevron Music Awards and the Musical Student of the Year accolade at Ysgol y Preseli, Crymych, her secondary school.

Jessica’s dedication and hard work culminated in her graduation from the prestigious Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. She excelled during her studies, obtaining a distinction in MA Opera Performance. Furthermore, she graduated with first-class honours as an undergraduate, earning the esteemed Aneurin Davies award, Mansel Thomas prize, Margaret Tann Award, Elias Soprano award, and the prestigious 2016 Prince of Wales Scholarship.

An accomplished guest artist, Jessica frequently graces stages across the UK and has captivated international audiences with her performances in New York, China, Switzerland, and Italy. She now resides in Cardiff with her husband, Dyfed, and their beloved dog, Splott.

David Jackson, the Artistic Director of Cardiff Singer of the World, commended the competition’s ability to attract the finest young talent from around the globe, firmly establishing itself as one of the foremost biennial vocal competitions worldwide. Recognizing its historical role as a springboard for numerous illustrious careers, Jackson eagerly anticipates the revelations of this year’s competition.

Both the BBC National Orchestra of Wales and the Welsh National Opera orchestra will accompany the finalists on stage. Esteemed pianists Llŷr Williams and Simon Lepper, marking their 20th year of participation, will return to grace the event with their artistry.

With a global audience eagerly following its every note, Cardiff Singer of the World, inaugurated in 1983, has become a prominent fixture in the classical music calendar. Held biennially, the competition attracts professional opera singers from stages worldwide, and Welsh luminaries like Bryn Terfel, the 1989 champion, have previously emerged triumphant.

As the anticipation reaches its zenith, all eyes will be on Jessica Robinson and her fellow finalists as they vie for the coveted title on Sunday night. The Land of Song is primed to witness the next chapter in this prestigious competition’s storied history.

DID YOU KNOW?

One of the most prestigious singing competitions in the world, BBC Cardiff Singer of the World celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2023. This biennial competition has launched the careers of some of the biggest opera stars, including Karita Mattila, Dmitri Hvorostovsky, Sir Bryn Terfel, Anja Harteros, Jamie Barton, Catriona Morison and 2021 winner, baritone Gihoon Kim. 

Streamed for the first time on OperaVision, the Final includes a programme from 16 singers who have made it through three virtual audition selection stages from nearly 500 applications. In the company of the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, we celebrate the next generation of talent from across the globe.